Trump Nominates Danielle Thumann Severs to FCC

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 1:58pm CT

Danielle Thumann Severs

President Donald Trump has nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, a move that could expand the agency's Republican majority if she is confirmed by the Senate.

Thumann Severs currently serves as senior counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, advising him on matters before the Wireline Competition Bureau, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. According to a White House filing sent to the Senate, she was nominated to a five-year term dating from July 1, 2024.

"I want to congratulate Danielle on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner on the FCC," said Carr. "Danielle is a dedicated public servant and has worked with skill and distinction on some of the most important matters before the agency."

Carr cited Thumann Severs' work on issues including expanding broadband access, consumer protection and public safety, adding that with Senate confirmation, she "would make a terrific Commissioner."

Thumann Severs has served two stints at the FCC. She first joined Carr's office as a legal advisor in March 2021 and served until 2023. Following a year in the private sector working in state and local government relations for a telecommunications infrastructure provider, she returned to Carr's office in August 2024.

Before joining the FCC, Thumann Severs worked as an attorney with Washington, DC communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer. She earned her law degree, cum laude, from Catholic University's Columbus School of Law and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.

If confirmed, Thumann Severs would fill one of two FCC seats that have been vacant since Republican Nathan Simington and Democrat Geoffrey Starks departed in June 2025. Her confirmation would give Republicans three seats on the five-member Commission, the maximum permitted for members of the same political party.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt welcomed the nomination. "Danielle is a dedicated public servant who is well regarded across all sectors of the communications bar," said LeGeyt. "Her extensive experience at the Commission and deep understanding of communications policy will serve her well in this important role."

Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez also congratulated Thumann Severs, saying she looks forward to continuing their work together and "hopefully soon with a full Commission of five, the way this agency was built to operate."

Thumann Severs' nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.